Hidden deck clip system

ABSTRACT

A deck patio is described with hidden fasteners that can comprise a clip body defined by a web extending in length from a first end to a second end, wherein the web defines a web width, web top, and web bottom. There are two retaining lips extending outwardly from the web width at the web top between the ends, which in certain embodiments the web top. The retaining lips are configured to extend into deck plank side slots. The clip further comprises at least one plank spacer that is equal to or wider than the web width. The plank spacer located between the web top and the web bottom. Extending from the bottom part of the clip body is a runner slot plate, which is spaced apart from the web bottom via a connector peg. The runner plate is sized to slidingly engage with a deck joist runner channel in a joist runner.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This U.S. Patent Application claims priority to and the benefit of U.S.provisional Patent Application No.: 63/037,124 entitled MODULAR DECKINSTALLATION SYSTEM WITH SLIDABLE CLIPS, filed on Jun. 10, 2020, theentire disclosure is incorporated by reference.

FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

The present disclosure relates generally to decking installation andmore specifically hidden deck fastener arrangements.

DESCRIPTION OF RELATED ART

One approach for enhancing the aesthetics of floorboards used for deckshas been to use floorboards having grooves running along theirlongitudinal edges or sides using hidden fasteners. The problem with thepresent day hidden fasteners is their lack of flexibility along the topof a joist and there cumbersome attachment configurations. It is toimprovement directed to this subject matter that embodiments of thepresent invention are generally directed.

SUMMARY

Exemplary embodiments of the present invention that are shown in thedrawings are summarized below. These and other embodiments are morefully described in the Detailed Description section. It is to beunderstood, however, that there is no intention to limit the inventionto the forms described in this Summary of the Invention or in theDetailed Description. One skilled in the art can recognize that thereare numerous modifications, equivalents and alternative constructionsthat fall within the spirit and scope of the invention as expressed inthe claims.

With that said one embodiment of the present invention contemplates adeck patio hidden fastener, or simply clip, can comprise a clip bodydefined by a web extending in length from a first end to a second end,the web further defining a web width , web top, and web bottom. Thereare two retaining lips extending outwardly from the web width at the webtop between the ends, which in certain embodiments the web top isessentially flat. The retaining lips are configured to extend into deckplank side slots. The clip further comprises at least one plank spacerthat is equal to or wider than the web width. The at least one plankspacer is located between the web top and the web bottom. Extending fromthe bottom part of the clip body is a runner slot plate, which is spacedapart from the web bottom via a connector peg. The runner plate is sizedto slidingly engage with a deck joist runner channel in a joist runner.

Yet another embodiment of a hidden fastener arrangement for a deck patiocan comprise a clip defining a clip body, a runner slot plate and aconnector peg, the clip body defined by a web extending in length from afirst end to a second end. The web further defines a web width, web top,and web bottom. The clip further including two retaining lips extendingoutwardly from the web width at the web top, the retaining lips extendinto deck plank side slots. The runner slot plate is spaced apart fromthe web bottom via the connector peg. The runner plate is envisioned tobe slidingly engaged with a deck joist runner channel in a joist runner.

Still another embodiment of a hidden fastener arrangement can comprise ahidden deck clip that mates with adjacent deck planks via retaining lipsextending from the deck clip. The hidden fastener arrangement having arunner slot plate that slidingly engages a joist runner via a joistrunner channel . The deck planks rest atop the joist runner and therunner plate as part of the hidden deck clip. The hidden deck clip isvertically captured by the joist runner, wherein the hidden deck clip isa component of a deck patio.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Various advantages and a more complete understanding of the presentinvention are apparent and more readily appreciated by reference to thefollowing Detailed Description and to the appended claims when taken inconjunction with the accompanying Drawings wherein:

FIG. 1 is a line drawing of a cut-away portion of a deck showingelements consistent with embodiments of the present invention;

FIG. 2A is a line drawing of an isometric exploded view of a joistrunner and joist combination consistent with embodiments of the presentinvention;

FIG. 2B is an isometric line drawing of a segment of a joist with ajoist runner cooperating with a hidden fastener clip consistent withembodiments of the present invention;

FIGS. 3A and 3B are isometric line drawings of a hidden fastener clipembodiment consistent with embodiments of the present invention;

FIGS. 4A-4C are line drawing views of the hidden fastener clipembodiment consistent with embodiments of the present invention;

FIG. 5 is a front view of the clip slidingly engaged with joist runnerconsistent with embodiments of the present invention;

FIG. 6A is a line drawing illustratively depicting a runner insertembodiment that can be used to extend a joist runner consistent withembodiments of the present invention;

FIG. 6B is a line drawing illustratively depicting a joist runnerassembly embodiment consistent with embodiments of the presentinvention;

FIG. 6C is an isometric line drawing of two joist runners connected toone another to make a longer joist runner consistent with embodiments ofthe present invention;

FIG. 6D is a line drawing of a runner insert and joist runnerconfiguration covering a joist corner consistent with embodiments of thepresent invention;

FIG. 6E is a line drawing of yet another embodiment of a joist runnerjoiner arrangement consistent with embodiments of the present invention;

FIG. 6F is a line drawing illustratively depicts two joist runners beingconnected together by way of the connector joint of FIG. 6E consistentwith embodiments of the present invention;

FIG. 7A is a line drawing illustratively depicting a section of a deckplank engaged with a clip consistent with embodiments of the presentinvention;

FIG. 7B is a line drawing a side view of a portion of a deck assemblyconsistent with embodiments of the present invention;

FIG. 8A is a line drawing isometric view of a joist and joist runnerassembly engaged with three clips consistent with embodiments of thepresent invention;

FIGS. 8B-8D are line drawings showing various top view orientations ofdecking configurations consistent with embodiments of the presentinvention;

FIGS. 9A-9D are line drawings of various arrangements using a singlewith web-spacer clip consistent with embodiments of the presentinvention; and

FIG. 10 is yet another embodiment of the joist runner consistent withembodiments of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Initially, this disclosure is by way of example only, not by limitation.Thus, although the instrumentalities described herein are for theconvenience of explanation, shown and described with respect toexemplary embodiments, it will be appreciated that the principles hereinmay be applied equally in other similar configurations involving deckhidden fasteners. The phrases “in one embodiment”, “according to oneembodiment”, and the like generally mean the particular feature,structure, or characteristic following the phrase is included in atleast one embodiment of the present invention, and may be included inmore than one embodiment of the present invention. Importantly, suchphases do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment. Some embodimentsof the present invention are directed to the word “exemplary” is usedherein to mean “serving as an example, instance, or illustration.” Anyembodiment described herein as “exemplary” is not necessarily to beconstrued as preferred or advantageous over other embodiments. If thespecification states a component or feature “may”, “can”, “could”, or“might” be included or have a characteristic, that particular componentor feature is not required to be included or have the characteristic. Asused herein, the terms “having”, “have”, “including” and “include” areconsidered open language and are synonymous with the term “comprising”.The terms “essentially” and “substantially” are used herein to indicatea small deviation in what might otherwise be construed as exactly. Theterms “essentially” and “substantially”, and similar terms, reflect thereality of relationships between elements. For example, the terms“essentially” and “substantially” may mean within 10% of an exactrelationship between elements. In what follows, similar or identicalstructures may be identified using identical callouts.

The present disclosure relates generally to a decking installation forsecuring deck boards to trusses or joists via inverted T-slot tracks,which can be extruded inverted T-slot tracks or joist runners. In someembodiments, an inverted T-slot extruded track may be installed alongthe top of a truss or joist, where the truss or joist may be installedperpendicular to and underneath the deck boards to be installed. In somecases, the track/runner may be configured to receive hidden clips orfasteners that can glide within the inverted T-slot as well as an edgegroove of a plank or deck board. In some aspects, the track/runner mayassist in the installation of the clips and planks by allowing the clipsto be slid in place along the track/runner. Furthermore, thetrack/runner may be adapted to envelope a top and upper sides of thetruss, which may provide weather protection for the truss (e.g., actingas built-in flashing on the top and upper sides of the truss). In someexamples, the clip or fastener in the decking installation may comprisea hexagonal or rounded bottom portion that can be slid into the channelin a plurality of orientations or directions. In some cases, a deckinstaller may select a clip orientation prior to inserting a clip intoan end of the extruded track. In some cases, the hexagonal shape of thebottom portion may hinder rotation of the clip once installed in theextruded track, which may allow for a more secure fit at a predefinedangle, which will set the angle of the planks on a deck. Furthermore,the top portion of the clip may comprise one or more flat edges that areconfigured to engage with the edge grooves of planks, such that the deckplanks are attached without visibly seeing deck screws driven from thetop of the deck plank. In some embodiments, the top portion of the clipmay also comprise a through hole for receiving a fastener, such as ascrew, to fasten or otherwise secure to the joist by way of the runner.More specifically, a screw may be installed through the hole in the clipinto the joist or truss below.

To provide context for an environment where embodiment of the presentinvention can be practiced, FIG. 1 is a line drawing of a cut-awayportion of a deck showing elements consistent with embodiments of thepresent invention. The cutaway portion of the deck 100 depicts thesubstructure of the deck 100 with the joists 102 spaced apart as shownoverlaid with planks 104. The joists 102 are substantially covered by ajoist runner endcap 110, or just “joist runner”. Certain otherembodiments envision the joist runner 110 covering a significant portionof the joist 102, such as more than 75% of the joist length 105. Asignificant portion of the end joist 102 a is covered with the joistrunner 110 with a portion of the joist 102 not covered by the joistrunner 110 to show the joist top 106.

FIG. 2A is a line drawing of an isometric exploded view of a joistrunner and joist combination consistent with embodiments of the presentinvention. This drawing illustratively depicts a joist runner embodiment110 in the process of being fitted over (i.e., essentiallyencapsulating) a deck joist top 106, as shown by the joist attachmentarrow 134. In practice, certain embodiments envision the U-shaped joistrunner 110 being positioned over the joist 102 and then pushed over thedeck joist top 106. The U-shaped runner 110 comprises a pair of runnersides 136 that extend downward from the main center portion 111 of thejoist runner 110 that includes the joist runner channel 112. Whenconnecting the U-shaped runner 110 to the joist 102, the two runnersides 136 deflect outwardly (see arrow 133) by hinging at the flexradius 132 thereby permitting the U-shaped joist runner 110 to slideover the joist sides 128. Inwardly barbed protrusions 118 slide over thejoist 102 when pushed in the direction of the joist attachment arrow 134and then lock into the joist sides 128 if the U-shaped joist runner 110is pulled in the direction opposite to the joist attachment arrow 134.The present joist runner embodiment 110 is a joist runner segment havinga joist runner length 154 that can be joined with other joist runnersegments to create a much longer joist runner, discussed more in detailin FIGS. 6A-6C. Certain embodiments of the joist runner 110 envisions itbeing an extruded track (e.g., an aluminum track).

FIG. 2B is an isometric line drawing of a segment of a joist 102 with ajoist runner 110 cooperating with a hidden fastener clip 200, or just“clip”, consistent with embodiments of the present invention. As shown,the U-shaped joist runner 110 is fully engaged with the joist 102. Theclip 200 is intended to slidingly engage the joist runner channel 112via the runner slot plate 202 as depicted by the double arrow 204 (theclip sliding direction). By slidingly engaged (or slidinglycooperating), it is meant that the clip 200 can slide or otherwise movefreely along the joist runner channel 112 via the runner slot plate 202.The runner slot plate 202 extends from the bottom of the clip 200. Therunner slot plate 202 is captured in the joist runner channel 112 whenengaged with the joist runner 110, i.e., the runner slot plate 202 istrapped by the runner slot 114 that is narrower than the joist runnerchannel 112. The joist runner endcap 110 is a U-shaped rail thatessentially encapsulates a deck joist top 106 and a joist side top part126 of the joist sides 128. In the present arrangement, the joist runner110 is retained on the joist 102 by way of inward barbed protrusions 118that penetrate into the joist sides 128.

FIGS. 3A and 3B are isometric line drawings of a hidden fastener clipembodiment consistent with embodiments of the present invention. FIG. 3Ashows a clip embodiment 200 with an empty screw receiving passageway 228and FIG. 3B shows the clip embodiment 200 engaged with a screw 230(partially in the screw receiving passageway 228). The screw receivingpassageway 228 is a through hole that extends concentrically through theclip body top 208 , the connector peg 218 and the runner slot plate 202.The clip embodiment 200 comprises a clip body 206 defined between theclip body top 208 and a clip body bottom 210. The clip body 206 extendsin length between a first clip end 212 and a second clip end 214. Thereare two retaining lips 222 and 224 extending outwardly from the web 226at the clip body top 208, as shown. The two retaining lips 222 and 224are configured to extend into deck plank side slots 105 (shown in FIGS.7A and 7B) to fixedly attached a deck plank 104 to a joist 102. In thepresent embodiment, there are two plank spacers 215 each disposed at theclip ends 212 and 214 that equally space apart adjacent deck planks 104(as shown in FIGS. 8B-8D). The runner plate 202 is spaced apart from theclip body 206 via a connector peg 218. The connector peg 218 is smallerthan the runner slot 114 of FIG. 2.

FIGS. 4A-4C are line drawing views of the hidden fastener clipembodiment 200 consistent with embodiments of the present invention.FIG. 4A is a top view of the clip 200 showing the two retaining lips 222and 224 extending outwardly from the web 226. The web 226 is shown inhidden (dashed) lines because the web 226 is hidden from view. The web226 transitions to the plank spacers 215 at the web transition locations232. In the present embodiment, the web 226 has a width 240 that isnarrower than the plank spacer width 242, which defines the plank spacer215. However, in certain embodiments the web 226 defines the plankspacer width 242 (i.e., the web width 240 is the plank spacer width 242as shown in FIG. 9A). In this particular arrangement, the clip body top208 is a flat top surface that extends between the clip ends 212 and 214to where the two retaining lips 222 and 224 distally terminate 223 a and223 b.

FIG. 4B is a front view of the clip 200 showing the two retaining lips222 and 224 extending outwardly in a “T” at the clip top 208. The tworetaining lips 222 and 224 define a lip thickness 244 sized to engagedeck plank side slots 108 (shown in FIG. 7A). The web 226 is shown ashidden lines behind the plank spacer 215. The web 226 has a web width240 that in this embodiment is thinner than the plank spacer width 242but in certain other embodiments is equal to the plank spacer width 242.For reference, the clip body 206 is defined between the clip body top208 and the clip body bottom 210. As should be appreciated, the clip 200extends between the clip body top 208 and the clip bottom 209. The clipbody 206 is separated 252 (spaced apart) from the runner slot plate 202via of the connector peg 218. The clip body to slot plate spacing 252 isgreater than the joist runner top overhang thickness 116 defined betweenthe thickness between the joist runner top 115 and the channel sideoverhang surface 130 (see FIG. 5) to facilitate clip 200 freedom ofrotation and sliding in the joist runner channel 112. A runner slotplate thickness 250 of the runner slot plate 202 is defined between theclip bottom 209 and the clip top 211.

FIG. 4C is a side view of the clip 200 with the ball length of the clipbody shown consistent with embodiments of the present invention. Asshown, the clip body 206 is spaced apart from the runner stop plate 202via the connector peg 218 at a distance that is greater than thethickness of the joist runner slot overhang 116. The clip body 206defines a clip body length 246, which is the longest part of the clip inthis embodiment, defined between the first clip end 212 and the secondclip end 214. The clip body height 248 is defined between the clip bodybottom 210 and the clip body top 208. In this configuration, the plankspacers 215 extend along the entire clip body height 248 and contributeto the clip body length 246. The web 226 extends closer to the clip ends212 and 214 than the retaining lips 222 and 224.

Certain commercial embodiments of the present invention envision theclip 200 being easily manipulated with a person's hand and devoid of anyneed for screws or the like to reduce installation steps therebyreducing the time to install a deck. Accordingly, certain embodimentsenvision a clip 200 without a screw receiving passageway 228. In someembodiments, the web width 240 is between 0.25-0.75 inches; the plankspacer width 242 is 0.75 inches (which in certain embodiments is the webwidth 240); the lip thickness 244 is 0.37 inches; the clip body length246 is 3.75 inches; the web height 248 is 1.6 inches; the runner slotplate thickness 250 is 0.51 inches; the clip body to slot plate spacing252 is 0.24 inches; and the runner slot plate diameter 254 is 1.8inches. In one example the tolerance of these measurements isapproximately +/−0.01 inches, however the tolerance can vary dependingon a manufacturer or, optionally, what is required to meetspecifications of an end user. Also, other embodiments envisiondifferent measurements in different proportions without departing fromthe scope and spirit of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a front view of the clip 200 slidingly engaged with joistrunner 110 consistent with embodiments of the present invention. TheU-shaped joist runner 100 is illustratively depicted in heavier linesthan the joist 102 and the clip 200 to better illustrate therelationship of the parts in the arrangement. As depicted, the U-shapedjoist runner 100 is clamped over the deck joist top 106 and the runnersides 138 are clamped on the upper portion 126 of the joist sides 128(see FIG. 2B) via the inward barbed protrusions 118.

The runner slot plate 202 is depicted as cooperating (slidingly engaged)with the joist runner channel 112. The joist runner channel 112 and therunner channel slot 114 together extend along the length of the joistrunner 110. The runner channel 112 is essentially a cavity defined by arunner channel width 146 and a runner channel height 148. The runnerchannel 112 is in communication with the outside environment 150(meaning the space/environment outside of the joist runner 110) via therunner slot 114. Two runner slot overhangs 116 located on either side ofthe runner slot 114 define the runner slot width 152, which is narrowerthan the channel width 146. The narrower runner slot 114 and the widerrunner channel width 146 essentially defines the cavity. The runner slotplate 202 is smaller than the joist runner channel cavity 112 in orderfor the clip 200 to move horizontally along the runner slot 114 andfreely rotate within the joist runner channel 112. The channel width 146is wider than the runner slot plate diameter 254 facilitating freemovement of the runner slot plate 202 inside of the channel 112 and yetremain captured in the vertical direction 255 by the two joist runnertop overhangs. More specifically, though the clip 200 can slide back andforth in the joist runner channel 112, the clip 200 can also rotatefreely in the channel because the runner slot 114 is wider than thediameter of the connector peg 218. As shown, the clip 200 is captured inthe joist runner channel 112 because the width of the runner slot 114,which is defined by the runner slot overhangs 116, is narrower than therunner slot plate diameter 254. Hence, the clip top 211 is constrainedin the vertical direction 255 by the channel side overhang surface 130.

The measurements of the joist runner 110 need to be compatible with theclip 200, as should be appreciated by one skilled in the art. In thatlight, some commercial embodiments of the present invention envisionmeasurements of the joist runner 110 compatible with the measurementsdescribed in conjunction with the clip 200 of FIGS. 4A-4C. For example,the side slot width 144 (of FIG. 7A) can be 0.4-0.6 inches; the runnerchannel width 146 can be 1.98 inches; the runner channel height 148 canbe 0.6 inches; the runner slot width 152 can be 0.81 inches; and the lipthickness can be 0.15 inches. In one example the tolerance of thesemeasurements is approximately +/−0.01 inches, however the tolerance canvary depending on a manufacturer, for example. Also, other embodimentsenvision different measurements in different proportions withoutdeparting from the scope and spirit of the present invention.

FIG. 6A is a line drawing illustratively depicting a runner insertembodiment 300 that can be used to extend a joist runner 110 consistentwith embodiments of the present invention. The runner insert embodiment300 is essentially an exact but abbreviated segment of the main centerportion 111 (of FIG. 2A) of the joist runner 110, i.e., without runnersides 136. The runner insert 300 is configured to matingly engage ajoist runner 110 by way of inserting a pair of connector pins 302 intoreceiving pin apertures 122 at the joist runner ends 140 in thecorresponding joist runner 110, see arrows 316. When engaged, the runnerinsert 300 aligns with the joist runner 110 such that the runner inserttop 315 is essentially in plane with the joist runner top 115. Inaddition, the runner slot 114 and runner channel 112 form anuninterrupted pathway with the runner insert slot 314 and the runnerinsert channel 112, respectively. The runner insert 300 furthercomprises a pair of insert pin apertures 322 configured to receivecorresponding insert pins that extend from another joist runner therebycreating a longer uninterrupted joist runner assembly 304 that isdisposed along the length 105 of a deck joist top 106, as shown in FIG.6B.

FIG. 6B is a line drawing illustratively depicting an elongated joistrunner assembly 304 embodiment consistent with embodiments of thepresent invention. As shown, there are four joist runner segments 110a-110 d connected to each other by way of three runner inserts 300 a-300c thereby creating the joist runner assembly 304. As shown, the runnerassembly comprises a contiguous aligned runner slot that isuninterrupted between the first runner segment 110 a and the last runnersegment 110 d, which facilitates freedom of movement of the runner slotplate 202.

FIG. 6C is an isometric line drawing of two joist runners connected toone another to make a longer joist runner consistent with embodiments ofthe present invention. Similar to the joist runner 110 and runner insert300 of FIG. 6A, an optional embodiment envisions a first joist runner110 a joined with the second joist runner 110 b utilizing the runnerconnector pin 302 to pin aperture 122 arrangement discussed inconjunction with FIG. 6A. It should be appreciated that any number ofjoist runners 110 can be connected in this way to form a much longerjoist runner 110 that essentially encapsulates the deck joist top 106 ofa joist 102.

FIG. 6D is a line drawing of a runner insert 300 and joist runner 110configuration covering a joist corner 160. More specifically, becausethe runner insert 300 does not have sides 116, the runner insert 300 canlengthen the runner assembly 110 and 300 to extend to the corner 160.

FIG. 6E is a line drawing of yet another embodiment of a joist runnerjoiner arrangement consistent with embodiments of the present invention.As shown here, a connector joint 340 is an independent connectorcomprising two sets of two opposing joint connector pins 342 a and 342 bthat extend outwardly from either side 354 a and 354 b (opposite sides)of a center plate 352. In this configuration, the center plate 352comprises a rim 350 that covers the abutting joist runner ends 140 (seeFIG. 6F). The rim 350 is essentially a lip that extends outwardly fromthe joint connector pins 342 a and 342 b. That is, the rim 350 extendsbeyond each of the pin tops 349 and pin sides 348. The joint connectorpins 342 a and 342 b are tapered to a pin termination end 344 (i.e.,each pin 342 tapers from a larger cross sectional area at the centerplate 352 to a smaller cross sectional area at the pin termination end344). In this embodiment, the joint connector pins 342 a and 342 b areconfigured to engage or otherwise slide inside of the pin apertures 122of the respective opposing joist runners 110 a and 110 b (see FIG. 6F)with the pin size at the plate end 352 closely conforming (snugglyengaging) the pin aperture 122, however other embodiments do not have asnuggly conforming engagement. In this embodiment, there is a notch 346in the top and bottom of the center plate 352 which provides somecommunication between joist channels 112 of opposing joist runners 110 aand 110 b. It should be appreciated by those skilled in the mechanicalarts that different kinds of connectors can be employed, such aslatches, different male-female connector arrangements, magnets, and thelike.

FIG. 6F illustratively depicts two joist runners 110 a and 110 b aboutto be connected together by way of the connector joint 340 of FIG. 6E.As should be appreciated, the associated runner slots 114 and the joistrunner channels 112 line up. When connected the center plate 352 is incontact with the joist runner ends 140 and the opposing connector pins342 are engaged in the corresponding pin apertures 122. In thisarrangement, the joist runners 110 a and 110 b comprise weep holes 155 a(discussed in detail in conjunction with FIG. 10). Also in thisconfiguration, the joist runner channel 112 is interrupted between thetwo joist runners 110 a and 110 b by the center plate 352.

FIG. 7A is a line drawing illustratively depicting a section of a deckplank engaged with a hidden clip consistent with embodiments of thepresent invention. In the present arrangement, a deck plank 104 isengaged with a retaining the retaining lip 224 extending from a clip200, wherein the opposite retaining lip 222 is free to receive anotherplank. The retaining clip 200 is engaged with the runner slot 114 of thejoist runner 110, which is connected to or otherwise engaged with asection of a joist 102. This deck plank 104 comprises two deck plankside slots 108 on either side running along the length and in the middleof the deck plank 104. The side slots 108 require a side slot width 144that is greater than the retaining lip thickness 244 (see FIG. 4B) inorder for the retaining lip 222 or 224 to easily slide into the deckplank side slot 108. As should be appreciated, when engaged with a clip200, the deck plank 104 cannot be moved in the vertical direction 255.Certain embodiments envision the deck plank 104 being a composite deckboard while other embodiments envision the deck plank 104 composed ofmilled wood. The order of assembly is for the clip 200 to be moved intothe runner channel 112 via the end/opening of the runner insert channel312 of the runner insert 300 to freely move in the runner channel 112 ofthe main joist runner 110 where the clip 200 is captured by the joistrunner top overhang 116. If the runner insert 300 were not present thenthe runner stopped plate 202 of the clip 200 would simply be inserted inthe runner channel 112 at the end of the joist runner 110. In thepresent arrangement, a deck plank 104 is engaged with a retaining theretaining lip 224 on a clip 200. The opposite retaining lip 222 is freeto receive another plank.

FIG. 7B is a line drawing a side view of a portion of a deck assembly100 consistent with embodiments of the present invention. As shown,there is a segment/section of a joist 102 with a joist runner 110extending along the length of the joist 102. There is also a runnerinsert 300 extending off the left end of the joist runner 110. The clip200 is slidingly engaged with the joist runner channel 112 (which is notshown in this figure). The two deck planks 104 a and 104 b areconstrained vertically 255 by the retaining lips 222 and 224,respectively, because the retaining lips 222 and 224 are at leastpartially in the corresponding deck plank side slots 108. The deckplanks 104 a and 104 b are spaced apart 215 a at the plank spacer width242 defined by the plank spacer 215. In this way all of the deck planks104 in the deck assembly (of FIG. 1) are equally spaced apart.

FIG. 8A is a line drawing isometric view of a joist and joist runnerassembly engaged with three clips consistent with embodiments of thepresent invention. More specifically, a joist 102 is capped with a joistrunner 110 that is connected with a runner insert 300, as shown. Thereare three clips 200 a, 200 b and 200 c in various locations along therunner slot 114. Each of the clips' 200 a, 200 b and 200 c correspondingrunner slot plates 202 are slid into the joist runner channel 112 atdifferent locations. The clips 200 a, 200 b and 200 c are free to rotatein addition to sliding along the runner slot 114 because the diameter ofthe connector peg 218 is smaller than the spacing of runner slot 114(see FIG. 5 for the spacing clearance). Freedom to rotate the clips 200a, 200 b and 200 c facilitates angular adjustments of the planks 104 asshown in FIGS. 8B-8D.

FIGS. 8B-8D are line drawings showing various top view orientations ofdecking configurations consistent with embodiments of the presentinvention. FIG. 8B shows a segment of two deck planks 104 a and 104 boriented at 90° relative to the joist 102. As shown, the planks 104 aand 104 b are retained by the clip 200 and spaced apart 215 a by theplank spacer 215. FIG. 8C shows a segment of the two deck planks 104 aand 104 b oriented at 0° relative to the joist 102, i.e., in-line withthe joist 102 and the joist runner 110. Because all three of the clips200 a, 200 b and 200 c possess constant size plank spacers 215, the twodeck planks 104 a and 104 b are uniformly spaced apart 215 a. FIG. 8Dshows a segment of two deck planks 104 a and 104 b oriented at 45°relative to the joist 102 and joist runner 110. As shown, the planks 104a and 104 b are retained by the clip 200 and uniformly spaced apart 215a by the plank spacer 215.

FIGS. 9A-9D are line drawings of various arrangements using a singlewith web-spacer clip consistent with embodiments of the presentinvention. FIG. 9A is an isometric view of a web-spacer clip embodiment400 showing the spacer web 426 is the plank spacer. The singleweb-spacer clip 400 can be equally used instead of (substituted for) theclip 200 shown in the previous figures and corresponding descriptions.The web-spacer clip 400 is similar to the clip 200 of FIG. 3A exceptthat there is no independent plank spacer (215) extending outwardlysomewhere along the spacer web 426. Hence, the web-spacer clip 400comprises a web-spacer clip body 406 defined between a web-spacer clipbody top 408 and a web-spacer clip body bottom 410 with a constant widthspacer web 426 extending between two ends 412 and 414. There are tworetaining lips 422 and 424 extending at approximately 90° outwardly ator near the web-spacer clip body top 408. The web-spacer clip body 406is spaced apart from the runner slot plate 202 by way of a connector peg218 facilitating functionality of the web-spacer clip 408 in a joistrunner 110 (FIG. 9C) like the clip 200. The web-spacer clip 400 providesan added advantage over the clip 200 in that there are possibly lessmanufacturing steps regarding the constant width spacer web 426 becausethe constant width spacer web 426 is a uniform ‘bar’, as shown. Asshould be appreciated, the spacer web 426 ensures unified spacingbetween the planks 104 (such as the planks 104 a and 104 b shown in FIG.8A-8C).

FIG. 9B is a top view of the web-spacer clip embodiment 400 showing theconstant width spacer web 426. As shown, the spacer web 426 has auniform width 442 that extends uniformly from the first clip end 412 tothe second clip end 414. Shown by the curved dashed (hidden) lines, thepassageway housing 428 for the screw receiving passageway 228 has alarger diameter than the uniform width 442 of the spacer web 426. Yetother embodiments contemplate an adequately wide spacer web 426 that canfully house a passageway 228 and therefore does not required apassageway housing 428.

FIG. 9C is an isometric line drawing similar to FIG. 8A but with theweb-spacer clip embodiment 400 in place of the clip 200. As shown, justlike in FIG. 8A, the three web-spacer clips 400 a, 400 b and 400 c areoriented in different rotations along the runner slot 114 in the joistrunner 110 and runner insert 300. The joist runner 110 is joined with asection of a joist 102. The three web-spacer clips 400 a, 400 b and 400c are retained in the runner slot 114 via their corresponding runnerslot plate 202.

FIG. 9D is a top view line drawing of the three web-spacer clips 400 a,400 b and 400 c oriented in different rotations along the runner slot114 in the joist runner 110 and runner insert 300.

FIG. 10 is yet another embodiment of the joist runner consistent withembodiments of the present invention. The joist runner embodiment 111 isessentially the same as the joist runner 110 except that it comprisesweep holes 155 that allows water that may build up in the joist runnerchannel 112 to seep out thereby avoiding the problem of standing waterin the joist runner channel 112. Water can enter into the joist runnerchannel 112 via the runner slot 114. As shown here, there are two weepholes 155 a (weep perforations) extending through the runner side 138 abetween the joist runner top 115 and the runner side panels 136. Thereis at least one weep hole 155 a in the other runner side 138 b. Anywater building up in the joist runner channel 112 exits the channel 112via at least one inner weep hole 155 b in the channel side wall 125 ofthe joist runner channel 112. The fact that the weep holes 155 a areabove the runner side panels 136 reduces the chance that water buildingup in the joist runner channel 112 simply rolls down the joist sides 128of the joist 102.

With the present description in mind, below are some examples of certainembodiments illustratively complementing some of the methods andapparatus embodiments discussed above and presented in the figures toaid the reader. The elements called out below are provided by example toassist in the understanding of the present invention and should not beconsidered limiting. The reader will appreciate that the below elementsand configurations can be interchangeable within the scope and spirit ofthe present invention.

For example, in one embodiment, a deck patio hidden fastener 200, orsimply clip, can comprise a clip body 206 defined by a web 226 extendingin length 246 from a first end 212 to a second end 214, the web 226further defining a web width 240, web top 208, and web bottom 210. Thereare two retaining lips 222 and 224 extending outwardly from the webwidth 240 at the web top 208 between the ends 212 and 214, which incertain embodiments the web top 208 is essentially (more or less) flat.The retaining lips 222 and 224 are configured to extend into deck plankside slots 108. The clip 200 further comprises at least one plank spacer215 that is equal to or wider than the web width 240. The at least oneplank spacer 215 is located between the web top 208 and the web bottom210. Extending from the bottom part of the clip body 206 is a runnerslot plate 202, which is spaced apart from the web bottom 210 via aconnector peg 218. The runner plate 202 is sized to slidingly engagewith a deck joist runner channel 112 in a joist runner 110.

The deck patio hidden fastener embodiment 200 further contemplatingwherein there are two plank spacers 215 each extending outwardly fromthe web 226 at the ends 212 and 214.

The deck patio hidden fastener embodiment 200 further consideringwherein the runner slot plate 202 is circular.

The deck patio hidden fastener embodiment 200 further pondering whereinthe joist runner 110 extends lengthwise along a joist length 105 over atleast 75% of the joist length 105 of a deck joist top 106 of a joist102. The joist runner 110 can include a joist runner channel 112 thatcan be defined by a cavity that extends essentially uniformly along ajoist runner length 154 that is partially exposed by a runner slot 114that is narrower than a runner channel width 146 of the runner channel112. The joist runner 110 can comprise runner side panels 136 extendingfrom joist runner sides 138 of the joist runner 110, the runner sidepanels 136 cover a joist top part 126 on corresponding joist sides 128of a joist 102.

The deck patio hidden fastener embodiment 200 further imagining whereinthe two retaining lips 222 and 224 define a flat surface at the web top208.

The deck patio hidden fastener embodiment 200 further envisioningwherein the clip body 206 comprises a screw receiving passageway 228configured to receive a screw 230, the screw receiving passageway 228extending concentrically through the web top 208, the connector peg 218and the runner slot plate 202.

The deck patio hidden fastener embodiment 200 further pondering whereinthe joist runner 110 a is configured to connect to a second joist runner110 b by way of an abbreviated joist runner connector 300. Theabbreviated joist runner connector 300 establishes an uninterruptedchannel that includes the joist runner channel 112.

The deck patio hidden fastener embodiment 200 is further imaginedwherein the web width 240 is the at least one plank spacer 215.

Yet another embodiment of a hidden fastener arrangement for a deck patio100 can comprise a clip 102 defining a clip body 206, a runner slotplate 202 and a connector peg 212, the clip body 206 defined by a web226 extending in length 246 from a first end 212 to a second end 214.The web 226 further defines a web width 240, web top 208, and web bottom210. The clip 200 further including two retaining lips 222 and 224extending outwardly from the web width 240 at the web top 208, theretaining lips 222 and 224 extend into deck plank side slots 108. Therunner slot plate 202 is spaced apart from the web bottom 210 via theconnector peg 218. The runner plate 202 is envisioned to be slidinglyengaged with a deck joist runner channel 112 in a joist runner 110.

The hidden fastener arrangement can further comprise a deck joist 102defined by a deck joist top 106 and deck joist sides 128, the deck joisttop 106 and an upper portion 126 of the deck joist sides 128 essentiallycovered by the deck joist runner 110. The deck joist runner 110 canadditionally include runner side panels 136 that covers the upperportion 126 of the deck joist sides 128.

The hidden fastener arrangement is imagined wherein the web width 240defines separation 215 a between a first deck plank 104 a and a seconddeck plank 104 b.

The hidden fastener arrangement is envisioned wherein the clip 102 isconfigured to slide along and rotate in the joist runner channel 112.Here the clip 102 can be constrained in a vertical direction 255 by arunner slot 114 in communication with the joist runner channel 112. Therunner slot 114 is narrower than a runner slot plate diameter 254whereby the runner slot 114 is defined by a pair of runner slotoverhangs 116 that partially cover the joist runner channel 112.

The hidden fastener arrangement is envisioned wherein the runner slotplate 202 is circular or optionally faceted to position the clip 200 inthe runner channel 112 at a particular/desired angle. The desired anglewill determine the angle of the planks 104 on the deck 100.

The hidden fastener arrangement is further imagined wherein the joistrunner 110 is comprised of a first joist runner segment 110 a connectedto a second joist runner segment 110 b.

It is further pondered that the joist runner 110 of the hidden fastenerarrangement is connected to a runner insert 300 that forms anuninterrupted joist runner channel 112.

Still another embodiment of a hidden fastener arrangement can comprise ahidden deck clip 200 that mates with adjacent deck planks 104 a and 104b via retaining lips 222 and 224 extending from the deck clip 200. Thehidden fastener arrangement having a runner slot plate 202 thatslidingly engages a joist runner 110 via a joist runner channel 112. Thedeck planks 104 a and 104 b rest atop the joist runner 110 and therunner plate 202 as part of the hidden deck clip 200. The hidden deckclip 200 is vertically captured by the joist runner 110, wherein thehidden deck clip 200 is a component of a deck patio 100.

The hidden fastener arrangement further ponders wherein the adjacentdeck planks 104 a and 104 b are uniformly spaced apart 215 a via aspacer defined by a web width 240 of the hidden deck clip 200.

The above embodiments are not intended to be limiting to the scope ofthe invention whatsoever because many more embodiments are easilyconceived within the teachings and scope of the instant specification.Moreover, the corresponding elements in the above example should not beconsidered limiting.

It is to be understood that even though numerous characteristics andadvantages of various embodiments of the present invention have been setforth in the foregoing description, together with the details of thestructure and function of various embodiments of the invention, thisdisclosure is illustrative only, and changes may be made in detail,especially in matters of structure and arrangement of parts within theprinciples of the present invention to the full extent indicated by thebroad general meaning of the terms in which the appended claims areexpressed. For example, variations of hidden clip shapes can be employedwhile maintaining the functionality of a trapped runner slot plate 202and retaining lips 222 and 224 while still maintaining substantially thesame functionality without departing from the scope and spirit of thepresent invention. Another example can include providing various shapedrunner slot plates that meet or expand the functionality of angularlypositioning the deck planks 104 on a deck 100 without departing from thescope and spirit of the present invention. Yet another example caninclude variations of the joist runner that has different kinds ofconnections with different kind of pin arrangements without departingfrom the scope and spirit of the present invention. Still anotherexample are though the two web retaining lips are at the top of theclip, certain embodiments envision them along the length of the web orsimply not at the top of the clip. It should be appreciated thatelements of various embodiments described herein can be combined inobvious manners by a person skilled in the art that understands thecontent of the present specification without departing from the scope ofthe subject matter presented herein. Further, the term “one” issynonymous with “a”, which may be a first of a plurality.

It will be clear that the present invention is well adapted to attainthe ends and advantages mentioned as well as those inherent therein.While presently preferred embodiments have been described for purposesof this disclosure, numerous changes may be made which readily suggestthemselves to those skilled in the art and which are encompassed in thespirit of the invention disclosed.

What is claimed is:
 1. A deck patio hidden fastener comprising: a clipbody defined by a web extending in length from a first end to a secondend, the web further defining a web width, web top, and web bottom; tworetaining lips extending outwardly from the web width at the web topbetween the ends, the retaining lips are configured to extend into deckplank side slots; at least one plank spacer that is equal to or widerthan the web width, the at least one plank spacer located between theweb top and the web bottom; and a runner slot plate spaced apart fromthe web bottom via a connector peg, the runner plate is sized toslidingly engage with a deck joist runner channel in a joist runner. 2.The deck patio hidden fastener of claim 1 wherein there are two plankspacers each extending outwardly from the web at the ends.
 3. The deckpatio hidden fastener of claim 1 wherein the runner slot plate iscircular.
 4. The deck patio hidden fastener of claim 1 wherein the joistrunner extends lengthwise along a joist length over at least 75% of thejoist length of a deck joist top of a joist.
 5. The deck patio hiddenfastener of claim 4 wherein the joist runner channel is defined by acavity that extends essentially uniformly along a joist runner lengththat is partially exposed by a runner slot that is narrower than arunner channel width of the runner channel.
 6. The deck patio hiddenfastener of claim 4 further comprising runner side panels extending fromjoist runner sides of the joist runner, the runner side panels cover ajoist top part on corresponding joist sides of a joist.
 7. The deckpatio hidden fastener of claim 1 wherein the two retaining lips define aflat surface at the web top.
 8. The deck patio hidden fastener of claim1 wherein the clip body comprises a screw receiving passagewayconfigured to receive a screw, the screw receiving passageway extendingconcentrically through the web top, the connector peg and the runnerslot plate.
 9. The deck patio hidden fastener of claim 1 wherein thejoist runner is configured to connect to a second joist runner by way ofan abbreviated joist runner connector, the abbreviated joist runnerconnector establishes an uninterrupted channel that includes the joistrunner channel.
 10. The deck patio hidden fastener of claim 1 whereinthe web width is the at least one plank spacer.
 11. A hidden fastenerarrangement for a deck patio comprising: a clip defining a clip body, arunner slot plate and a connector peg clip, the clip body defined by aweb extending in length from a first end to a second end, the webfurther defining a web width, web top, and web bottom; two retaininglips extending outwardly from the web width at the web top, theretaining lips extend into deck plank side slots; the runner slot platespaced apart from the web bottom via the connector peg, the runner plateis slidingly engaged with a deck joist runner channel in a joist runner.12. The hidden fastener arrangement of claim 11 further comprising adeck joist defined by a deck joist top and deck joist sides, the deckjoist top and an upper portion of the deck joist sides essentiallycovered by the deck joist runner.
 13. The hidden fastener arrangement ofclaim 12 wherein the deck joist runner comprises runner side panels thatcovers the upper portion of the deck joist sides.
 14. The hiddenfastener arrangement of claim 11 wherein the web width definesseparation between a first deck plank and a second deck plank.
 15. Thehidden fastener arrangement of claim 11 wherein the clip is configuredto slide along and rotate in the joist runner channel, the clip isconstrained in a vertical direction by a runner slot in communicationwith the joist runner channel, the runner slot narrower than a runnerslot plate diameter, the runner slot defined by a pair of runner slotoverhangs that partially cover the joist runner channel.
 16. The hiddenfastener arrangement of claim 11 wherein the runner slot plate iscircular.
 17. The hidden fastener arrangement of claim 11 wherein thejoist runner is comprised of a first joist runner segment connected to asecond joist runner segment.
 18. The hidden fastener arrangement ofclaim 11 wherein the joist runner is connected to a runner insert thatforms an uninterrupted joist runner channel.
 19. A hidden fastenerarrangement comprising: a hidden deck clip that mates with adjacent deckplanks via retaining lips extending from the deck clip; a runner slotplate that slidingly engages a joist runner via a joist runner channel,the deck planks rest atop the joist runner, the runner plate as part ofthe hidden deck clip; the hidden deck clip is vertically captured by thejoist runner, the hidden deck clip is a component of a deck patio. 20.The hidden fastener arrangement of claim 19 wherein the adjacent deckplanks are uniformly spaced apart via a spacer defined by a web width ofthe hidden deck clip.